Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I call 9-1-1?
Call 9-1-1 if it is a life-threatening situation or something is occurring at the time of the call, such as an assault, fight, traffic crash, fire or any situation that could result in loss of life or major property loss. All incoming lines to the communications center, emergency and non-emergency, are TDD capable.

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2. Why do 9-1-1 operators ask so many questions?
Experience shows that the first 60 seconds of every 9-1-1 call to be the most critical. Operators must not only understand the nature of the emergency, but also its location and whether anyone has been injured. This information is needed to make certain the proper agencies are responding, be they law enforcement, fire-rescue, or both.In any life threatening emergency situation, immediately call 9-1-1 from any telephone. For all non-emergency law enforcement needs, such as a crime not in progress, please call the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office (904) 824-8304. All incoming lines to the communications center, emergency and non-emergency, are TDD capable.
DO NOT REPORT CRIMES OR INCIDENTS OF ANY TYPE OVER THE INTERNET OR BY E-MAIL. DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OR SERIOUSNESS OF THE INCIDENT, EITHER CALL 911 OR (904) 824-8304.

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3. What do I do if I get a ticket?
If you need information about a traffic citation, don't call the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office or the police agency that issued it. Once the ticket is issued, it becomes part of the court process and is handled by St. Johns County Clerk of the Courts, Cheryl Strickland, Clerk of Courts for St. Johns County, has an informative website with extensive information about the resolution options for tickets and citations. You can find this information at http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/Const-Officers/Clerk-of-Court/index.htm. If a court appearance isn't required (the box at the bottom of your yellow citation stating "infraction does not require appearance in court" must be checked), you have three options:

• Pay the citation: this is a guilty plea and points will be assessed (if applicable).

• Attend driving school: this is a no contest plea, pay the fine and no points will be assessed if you sign up and complete driving school within 90 days (Note: there are limits to the number of times you can attend driving school; consult the Clerk's web site for information.)

• Plead Not Guilty: consult the Clerk's web site for procedures and options for this plea.

If a court appearance is required, you MUST appear on the date specified on the ticket.

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4. What do I do if my license plate has been lost or stolen?
If you suspect your license tag was stolen or perhaps lost, you must file a police report and get a case number. Tags will not be replaced without that case number. Call the SJSO non-emergency number, (904) 824-8304 and ask for Communications to make a report. If you live in the City of St. Augustine, file your report with that police agency. Once you have the case number, you can apply for a new tag at the St. Johns County Tax Collectors Office. They can be reached at (904) 823-2250 for further information.

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5. Can I provide anonymous information about individuals that may be committing crimes in St. Johns County?
The Sheriffs Office provides a CRIME HOTLINE where citizens may call in and leave information anonymously. The message is received in the Intelligence Section and is then sent to the appropriate section of the Sheriffs Office. The Crime Hotline number is (904) 824-9099. Please call 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress. If you have information about individuals who are listed as 'Wanted' by the SJSO, you can contact CrimeStoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS, toll free. Remain anonymous and possibly earn a $1,000 reward.

Please call 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress.

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6. What to report if you are a witness or the victim of a crime.
If you are a victim of a crime or if you witness a crime, your observations can lead to a faster resolution of the case.When you report a crime, the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office Communications Operator will ask you to describe the suspect(s) you observed. NEVER place your safety or the safety of those around you in jeopardy to get a better description of a subject, but attempt to make a mental picture of the suspect(s) by scanning the individual(s) from top to bottom, and outside to inside.Note the most obvious information first: race, sex, approximate age, weight and height. Then note hair and eye color, complexion and any distinguishing features such as glasses, scars, facial hair, etc. Make note of what the person is wearing, starting with the outside layer of clothing, bearing in mind that many times a suspect may remove outerwear to elude law enforcement officers. If you're describing a vehicle, try to remember the acronym CYMBALS:
C - color
Y - year
M - make
B - body
A - additional descriptive features
L - license
S – state

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7. How do I report a break-in in progress?
During a break-in, the safety of you and your loved ones should be your primary concern, not the protection of your property. No possession is worth risking a human life. If someone is breaking into your home, everyone in the house should attempt to leave immediately, but only if it is safe to do so. Choose an exit, a window or door that is safely away from the intruder. Go to a neighbor's home and call 9-1-1. If you cannot escape, quickly move everyone into a room that has a phone. Lock and barricade the door. Immediately call 9-1-1 and be prepared to give the operator as much information as you can about the situation, including your address and details like your house color, location of fencing, status of outdoor lights and other information that may be useful. The operator will remain on the phone with you as deputies respond and will continue to ask questions and provide information.
A word about the use of weapons. Using a weapon for personal protection is a dangerous option. In the unlikelyhood of a face-to-face confrontation, your attacker might take your weapon from you and use it against you. Weapons have also been used against law enforcement officers or family members that were mistaken for intruders. The use of deadly force should be a last resort, even for highly trained law enforcement officers.

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8. How do I get an Injunction for Protection?
Injunction for Protection orders are issued by a judge and are intended to protect those who fear for their own safety. Essentially, an Injunction for Protection order prohibits an individual from an action that is likely to cause harm. Usually, an Injunction for Protection prevents any contact or communication between two or more people. To obtain an Injunction for Protection, go to the St. Johns County Courthouse at 4010 Lewis Speedway, room 153, Family Services during regular business hours. The process takes approximately three hours to complete and it's suggested you arrive early. If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays or anytime during the weekend and you have no safe shelter, call the SJSO Communications Division (904) 824-8304, and give your information to the Communications Operator who will send a deputy to your location. The deputy will interview you to determine if an emergency Injunction for Protection is needed. If it is needed, the deputy will contact Communications and have them contact the on call Clerk of Court. You will have to meet the on call Clerk of Court at the St. Johns County Jail to file for the injunction.If you have further questions, please call Family Services during regular business hours (904) 823-2351.

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9. What is the Sheriffs Office's policy regarding profiling?
It is the policy of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office to patrol in a proactive manner, to aggressively investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and to actively enforce the motor vehicle laws. It is also the policy that citizens will only be stopped or detained when there exists reasonable suspicion to believe they have committed, are committing, or are about to commit an infraction of the law. It is this proactive enforcement that keeps our citizens, our streets, and our highways safer. It also enables us in detecting and apprehending criminals. All laws shall be enforced equally, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, sex, physical handicap or religion and bias-based profiling shall not be tolerated in enforcement efforts. This standard is established in accordance with Florida State Statue 30.15. SJSO polices prohibit bias-based profiling and members are responsible for ensuring that all citizens of the community are treated with dignity and respect. All sworn SJSO members receive initial and in-service training in proactive enforcement tactics. In addition, bias-based profiling issues, including the legal aspects, are also provided during this in-service training. All training is in accordance with the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission requirements.

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10. How do I file a complaint about how I was treated by an employee of the Sheriff's Office?
Any person may file a complaint at any time. Complaint forms are available at the Sheriff's Office Courtesy Services Desk or they may be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat PDF format by clicking here.

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11. How can I get a copy of an incident report?
Contact the Records Branch, Monday thru Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (closed holidays). If the information requested does not exceed 10 pages, there is no charge for this service other than a self-addressed envelope.

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12. What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil case?
A criminal case is brought by the local, state or federal government in response to a suspected violation of law and seeks a fine, a jail sentence or both. Civil cases are generally brought by private individuals or corporations seeking to collect money owed to them, or monetary damages.

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13. How do I carry a firearm in my vehicle without a concealed firearms permit?
The firearm must be securely encased (i.e., in a snapped holster, a zippered carrying case, or similar encasement). It should be placed in the glove box for safety and security. Should you be stopped by a law enforcement officer, it is wise to advise the officer of the firearm. Please contact the Sheriffs Office about our Civilian Firearms Course.

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14. How may an application for employment with the Sheriffs Office be obtained?
Applications may be picked up from the SJSO Administrative Office, 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084, Monday thru Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. An application may also be sent via mail, or downloaded from the employment section of our website. Completed applications may be returned any business day, 8 AM to 4 PM.

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15. How do I do a permit for a concealed handgun?
This permit is issued by the Florida Department of State, not by local law enforcement agencies. You can either call or write to them and make a specific request for a Concealed Weapon Permit. Information is available online at the Department of State web site, or you can contact them by mail or phone:

Florida Department of State Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 6687
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687
(850) 488-5381

In addition, Concealed Weapon Permit Application packets are available at the Information Counter in the lobby at the Sheriffs Office Administrative Complex and also at our staffed field offices.

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16. Can my child ride a go-ped, or motorized scooter on the roadway or sidewalk?
NO. There are two issues regarding the use of these toy vehicles. Florida motor vehicle law does not provide for the registering of go-peds as motor vehicles. However, under Floridas Drivers License Statute, they are considered motor vehicles, which requires an operator to be at least 16 YOA and possess a valid Class-E drivers license. Operation of a motor vehicle without a valid drivers license is a criminal offense that could result in an arrest. Even if a licensed driver was in control of the go-ped, it does not meet the safety requirements of a registered motor vehicle, and as such, will not be issued a tag. Therefore, it still would not be allowed on the roadways. In addition, the safety of our children should be a concern for all of us. A child operator of a go-ped would be unlicensed and therefore, may have no knowledge of the rules of the road.

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17. What should I do if I’m sexually assaulted?
If possible, go to a safe place. Try not to disturb anything at the scene of the crime and avoid the destruction of evidence by NOT showering or changing clothes, etc. Call 9-1-1. The report of an assault is not the same as prosecuting it. You can decide later about that. Ask a friend or relative to stay with you. Seek medical attention as you may have injuries that are not apparent, and take a change of clothing with you. Consider counseling. The Betty Griffin House offers Sexual Assault Services via a 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline (904) 824-1555.

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18. How do I file a commendation or a complaint on someone who works at the Sheriffs Office?
It is important that the citizens of St. Johns County have confidence in their Sheriffs Office in the exercise of law enforcement authority. This mandates that procedures for investigating and resolving all concerns and allegations of misconduct be instituted. All citizens are encouraged to bring forward legitimate comments, concerns, commendations and/or grievances regarding SJSO employees. Your input, be it favorable or unfavorable, will enable us to serve you better. SJSO road supervisors have citizen comment forms in their vehicles. In addition, these road supervisors may be able to resolve your concerns immediately, without the need for further action. You may also obtain Citizens Comment Forms at the SJSO main administrative office or at the staffed field offices. Citizen Comment Forms may also be downloaded and printed here. You must have the most recent version of Acrobat Reader to view this form. If you do not have Reader, click the button at the bottom of the left hand menu. Should you have any additional comments, concerns, or questions, please call (904) 824-8304 and ask for the Internal Affairs Bureau.

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19. What is the Sheriff's Office Patch Policy?
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office policy prohibits selling and/or trading of SJSO patches, badges, or any other law enforcement items. Requests for these items will be disregarded.

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20. Fingerprint Information

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21. How can I get a criminal background check from SJSO?
Background checks are done at the SJSO Administrative Offices, 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL, 32084. There is no charge for this service. However, this background check only shows criminal histories in St. Johns County. In addition, a background check can be done at 2 field offices, Julington Creek and Ponte Vedra, but they will have to call the SJSO main complex for some of the information. If a more thorough background check is needed, it must be done by Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

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22. What programs are available for crime prevention?
The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office provides crime prevention programs on the following topics:

• Neighborhood Watch

• Business Watch

• Drug Awareness

• Womens Personal Safety

• Crimes Against the Elderly (Con Games)

• Shoplifting – Retail Theft

• Robbery Prevention Programs

• Agricultural Crime Prevention

• And so much more…

Also available are Residential and Business Security Surveys.
For more information about any of the SJSO programs or services available, to set up a program/service or to comment on a program/service your have recently participated in please fill out the online participation and information form available here or contact the Community Affairs Section by telephone at (904) 810-6694 or by email CommunityAffairs@sjso.org

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23. What is the mailing address of the Sheriffs Office?
Main Office – 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Detention Center – 3955 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. In addition, the Sheriff has four (4) field offices, a Bailiff Office in the Judicial Center, and the Community Oriented Police (COP) Office, where information and services may be obtained.
Community Oriented Policing Office - Calvin Peete Park
St. Johns County Judicial Center – 4010 Lewis Speedway, Rm 129, St. Augustine, FL 32095.
The following 2 Field Offices are only staffed Mon thru Fri:
Julington Creek Field Office, 8 AM to 4:30 PM – 725 Flora Branch Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32259
Ponte Vedra Field Office, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM – 5430 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra , FL 32082
The following 2 Field Offices are not staffed.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1:
Crescent Beach Field Office – 6940 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Hastings Field Office – 401 McClung St., St. Augustine, FL 32145

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24. Where can I get assistance if I’ve been a witness to or a victim of a crime?
It is the policy of the Law Enforcement agencies within the seventh judicial circuit to treat all victims and witnesses with dignity, respect and compassion at all times. SJSO has established a Victim/Witness Program. We can provide information on counseling services, give emotional support, assist in obtaining emergency food, shelter and medical aide, etc. Help is just a phone call away (904) 824-8304. Ask for the Victim Advocates Office.

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25. What do I do if I have information regarding possible terrorist activity?
If you feel that there may be information relating to terrorist activity in your community, you should first contact your local law enforcement agency. Florida's Domestic Security Taskforce is designed to include one or more representatives involved with this new security mission. Once notified, the local agency can decide what and how many response elements of the Task Force should be requested.

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26. How do I obtain a copy of an arrest record, an incident report, or a call for service report?
Copies of all reports are available 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday thru Friday (closed holidays), at the main SJSO Administrative complex, 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Copies of event reports are usually available the next business day. Copies of crash reports may not be available for up to 5 business days. Copies of arrest records are also available. There is no charge for this service if the report is 10 pages or less.

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27. Can a Sheriffs Office Deputy open my car if I have locked my keys inside?
Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the Sheriffs Office will not open a locked vehicle. A locksmith is your best alternative. Should a child be locked inside the vehicle, the Sheriffs Office or the Fire Department will respond to remove the child, possibly by breaking a window.

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28. Is there a waiting period before I can report someone missing?
No. A missing person report may be made whenever you realize someone is missing, and the missing person meets statewide criteria to enter into the NCIC/FCIC system.

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29. I have left my spouse and am living elsewhere but I need to retrieve my personal effects. Can a Deputy help me?
Deputies cannot generally assist persons in taking items from a residence involving civil issues. A court order must be obtained for these types of actions to occur. If a court order has been obtained, call the Sheriffs Office (904) 824-8304 and ask for the Civil Section. The Civil Section can then schedule a date and time to have a deputy accompany you to your residence for the purpose of retrieving personal belongings or specific items mentioned in the court order.

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30. Can I make a police report at any time of the day?
The Sheriffs Office will respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any request for law enforcement assistance.

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31. Can I make a report over the telephone?
There are times when a report can be made over the telephone. It depends upon the nature of the incident, the severity of the incident, whether or not other forms must be signed when the report is made. Distance will also play a role in a telephone report. For example, someone calling from out of state certainly would not be expected to return to St. Johns County for the sake of filing a report.

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32. Someone has abandoned a vehicle in my parking lot or on my property. Can the Sheriffs Office have it towed away for me?
The Sheriffs Office can only tow vehicles abandoned on public property. You must call for a wrecker and have the vehicle towed at no cost to you. However, it is suggested that you call the Communications Center (904) 824-8304, to have the tag or vin # checked to make sure the vehicle is not stolen.

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33. What can we do about a traffic problem or speeders in our neighborhood?
Call the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office Community Traffic Awareness Hotline (904) 810-6776 and leave information specific to your complaint, such as the community you are calling from, time of day and exact location of the problem. If you would like to speak to a deputy about the problem, please leave your name and phone number. A traffic enforcement deputy will return your call. Click to find out more about the Traffic Section Incident Report Form send us an email to report your traffic concerns: sgreene@sjso.org

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34. What should I do if a deputy is trying to pull me over at night in an unmarked car and I am frightened?
It is important that you acknowledge to the deputy that you see him/her by waving your hands or turning on your emergency 4-way flashers and reducing the speed of your vehicle. Begin looking for a safe (and at night a well-lighted) area to stop. The best place, if possible, is a location with other people around such as a shopping center or convenience store. Once you have stopped, keep your doors locked and roll your window down just enough to converse with the deputy until the situation is comfortable. In most cases, deputies in unmarked cars will contact a uniformed officer for assistance with a traffic stop. If one is not available, deputies should understand your concern for safety. Ask to see a badge and department photo identification.

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35. Does my 4-8 year old child need to be in a booster seat? When can I turn my infant/toddler around to face forward?
A booster seat MUST be used if:

1. The child weighs between 40 and 80 pounds
2. The child is below 4 feet 9 inches in height

Before facing forward, the child must be one year of age AND weigh 20 pounds or more. Note: Check the manufacturers stickers on the sides of your seats and make sure that your seat is not over 5 years old. If it is, it needs to be replaced. The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office offers a loaner seat program for those ‘little ones’ who may be visiting. Call (904) 810-6694 for more information.

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